5019 – DotDiver BiermAK

The DotDiver BiermAK is a qualitative dot immunoassay for the determination of IgG antibodies against intrinsic factor and antigens of parietal cells in human serum. The DotDiver BiermAK is intended as an aid in the diagnosis of chronic atrophic gastritis in conjunction with other clinical and laboratory findings.

The essential role played by intrinsic factor (IF), a glycoprotein containing sialic acid, in the absorption of vitamin B12 (extrinsic factor) in the digestive tract, makes it an important serological marker in the diagnosis of diseases associated with deficiency in vitamin B12, e.g. that may lead to the development of Biermer’s anemia (pernicious anemia).

The main antigen of autoantibodies to parietal cells is the membrane H+/K+ ATPase transporting H+ into the stomach. Antibodies to this ATPase are a sensitive marker for type A gastritis and will be found in 80-90% of such patients. Autoantibodies to intrinsic factor are detected mainly in patients with pernicious anemia associated with gastritis and are pathognomonic for this clinical picture.

Dot immunoassays are frequently used for the determination of specific antibodies directed against multiple antigens. The test strips are coated with various antigens in consistent intervals. If antibodies are present in the patient´s sample, they bind to the respective antigens. A secondary antibody conjugated with the enzyme alkaline phosphatase detects the generated immune complexes. A colorless substrate is converted into a colored, insoluble product. The signal intensity of the precipitated reaction product is proportional to the antibody activity in the sample.

The DotDiver BiermAK is designed for semi-automated use with the DotDiver instrument.

The GA Generic Assays DotDiver2.0 is a fully automated processor of Line and Dot immunoassays. The small footprint renders the device an ideal solution for laboratories with small space. With a unique software design, the device provides a completely hands-free experience for quantitative, semi-quantitative and qualitative testing via repeated diving of the antigen coated strips into the ready to use cartridges. This special setup provides an optimal reaction environment with reduced assay processing and result analysis time for up to 24 different tests or samples simultaneously.